Fiu Leader On Medical Leave

February 10, 1999|By SCOTT GOLD Staff Writer

Florida International University President Modesto "Mitch" Maidique, a Cuban immigrant who doubled enrollment and turned FIU into one of the nation's top schools for minorities, will take an extended medical leave following prostate surgery.

"Unfortunately, recovery has been slower than expected," Maidique, 58, said in a statement. "The recovery phase has been somewhat frustrating but I expect a full recovery and I'm anxious to get back to the business of the university full-time."

Maidique, who has been FIU's president since 1986, said his health problems are not considered life-threatening. A school spokeswoman said he does not have cancer.

His leave will be effective today and will extend through June 30, if necessary, State University System officials said. Maidique, who had surgery late last year, will earn his $192,000 annual salary while on leave.

FIU Provost Mark Rosenberg, who has been at the Miami university for 23 years, will serve as acting president until Maidique returns.

In a letter to leaders of Florida's State University System, Chancellor Adam Herbert said he would not be surprised if Maidique returns before June.

"I am very pleased to advise you that we expect him to return to the work of the University and community both fully recovered and ready to operate in the normal Maidique fashion," Herbert wrote. "The challenge for each of you will be to keep up with him when he returns."

Since Maidique took over FIU's presidency, student enrollment has doubled to more than 30,000 -- making it one of the nation's fastest-growing public universities. FIU leads the nation in the number of Hispanic graduates and tops all public and private universities in Florida in the number of minority graduates.

Maidique, son of a senator and teacher, was born in Havana in 1940. Nine months later, assassins killed his father days after he was re-elected.

Relatives brought Maidique to New York City when he was 9 years old. He was unable to speak English. Three years later, he was at the top of his English class.

He has four degrees, including a doctorate in electrical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has been a professor at Harvard, MIT and Stanford.

"He's a very energetic man," said school spokeswoman Anna Santiago. "His absence is felt."